rear hatch replacement

[jwbaker]

had to replace my complete rear hatch after some rear ended My 1998 ford explorer sport , bought a replacement at local u-pull it yard with glass intact from a 1998 ford explorer xlt everything with install went good rear harness matched tag lights, top brake light and wiper and door locks . problem is after mounting Hatch. I have an 1 inch gap between truck roof and hatch the only adjustment is on the screws on hinge attached to hatch. question is how to get this thing to fit properly. I appreciate any advice. J.W.Baker also mfg date on orig is 4/98 mfg date on replacement is 7/97 and is listed as a 98 ?

 

[delexploder]

Drop the head liner in the rear , I unfastened the side panels and then used a bungee cord to pull them together and out of the way , there was a little more adjustment on the truck side on mine , it will make sense as you start to get into it

 

[Mike65]

Welcome to the forum.

 

[tommyBuildz]

had to replace my complete rear hatch after some rear ended My 1998 ford explorer sport , bought a replacement at local u-pull it yard with glass intact from a 1998 ford explorer xlt everything with install went good rear harness matched tag lights, top brake light and wiper and door locks . problem is after mounting Hatch. I have an 1 inch gap between truck roof and hatch the only adjustment is on the screws on hinge attached to hatch. question is how to get this thing to fit properly. I appreciate any advice. J.W.Baker also mfg date on orig is 4/98 mfg date on replacement is 7/97 and is listed as a 98 ?

 

[tommyBuildz]

What tools did you need/use?